Referring to the economic zones being set up in the country, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali on Thursday invited Malaysian investment in those economic zones ensuring mutual benefits. He sought the investment when Nur Ashikin Binti Mohd Taib, the newly appointed High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh, met him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Referring to a few “isolated incidents of violent extremism”, Mahmood Ali informed the High Commissioner that the situation is ‘under control’. Small offshoots conducted a few isolated attacks, but the police prevented many incidents to happen and successfully rounded up perpetrators, he said. Mahmood Ali also mentioned that the backbone of the violent extremists have been broken, they are no longer capable of going for concerted attack. He assured the High Commissioner of all possible cooperation from the side of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Welcoming the new High Commissioner, the Foreign Minister mentioned that the relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia are very close and excellent as understanding and close relations exist between the two heads of government. Also, the people-to-people contact is also satisfactory, the minister added. Mahmood Ali said Bangladesh and Malaysia have been cooperating with each other in international forums, including the UN, NAM and OIC. The Foreign Minister noted that there exists a bright prospect of enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries further. Regarding this, he particularly mentioned about the fast growing pharmaceutical sector and hoped that export of pharmaceuticals to Malaysia will be increased significantly in near future. The Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction over Malaysian investment in Bangladesh and specifically mentioned about the 1320 MW power plant to be established in Moheshkhali under Malaysian investment. The Malaysian High Commission noted that Bangladesh is developing fast, according to the Foreign Ministry here.
